Chicago, IL — Get ready for an unparalleled experience as Wine Rival proudly presents "The Superbowl of Wine" — The Tailgate Tasting at Venue West (221 North Paulina Street Chicago) on Sunday, October 15, from 5 pm - 9:30 pm. This event promises to be a true celebration of all things wine, where hundreds of enthusiasts will gather to enjoy exquisite wines and delectable bites, and witness a thrilling blind wine-tasting competition, for just $75.

Sommeliers Choice Awards will be present at the upcoming Chicago event along with Beverage Trade Network’s USA Trade Tasting team. All the trade entrants that are coming to Wine Rival will be getting a complimentary USATT expo floor pass.

Image: Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, Organizers of Sommeliers Choice Awards and USA Trade Tasting.

USA Trade Tasting is all set to happen on October 17-18 in Chicago and this is where America’s top bartenders, sommeliers, retailers, importers, distributors, and press gather to learn, network, and source new and exciting brands.

Sommeliers Choice Awards and USA Trade Tasting is excited to meet you all at the WineRiva Chicago on October 15.

The 2024 Sommeliers Choice Awards entry process is now open and the competition is accepting both international and domestic wines. Wines entered will get a detailed score breakdown, professional tasting notes, and professional feedback from judges.

Take advantage of the super early bird pricing that's on till October 31, 2023. Here are the winning benefits of entering the 2024 competition and detailed steps on how to enter.

Sommeliers Choice Awards is organized by Beverage Trade Network. Beverage Trade Network (BTN) is a global media and B2B networking platform servicing suppliers, buyers, and beverage professionals in the global beverage industry. BTN also owns BevRoute, a magazine for Importers and Distributors, and runs a lineup of trade shows around the world which includes  USA Trade Tasting in New York,  IBWSS UK  in London,  and IBWSS USA  in San Francisco. Beverage Trade Network also owns and runs the London Wine Competition, London Beer Competition, London Spirits Competition, and USA Wine Ratings.

Sommeliers Choice Awards chats with Adam Sweders, founder of Wine Rival.

Adam Sweders has over 15 years of experience as a Sommelier and executive level Wine Director. Certified through the International Sommelier Guild and The Court of Master Sommeliers, Adam's big break started at Chicago's most sought-after restaurant, Joe's Stone Crab. After 18 months as their head Sommelier Sweders was hired as the Wine Director for DineAmic Hospitality in Chicago.

Over his six and a half years there he ran multiple wine programs simultaneously that included award-winning programs at Prime & Provisions and Fabio Viviani's Siena Tavern and Bar Siena. Sweders has been featured in practically every major wine publication and previously was one of Wine Spectator's featured Sommelier at their yearly NYC Wine Experience in Times Square. He is also a published wine writer and has been featured in numerous articles and local TV spots pertaining to his wine expertise. Currently, Sweders is developing WineRival (Formerly Somm Madness), a massive wine event he created in 2017. In 2023 it has expanded into a multi-city blind wine tasting event/competition and is currently being filmed for TV production.

[[relatedPurchasesItems-61]]

Why did you start Wine Rival?

I started Wine Rival because my mentor said I should be doing something creative in the world of wine. I brushed him off but then 2 weeks later took my daughter to the Wisconsin Dells for her 5th birthday. I was having a glass of wine on a fake beach and watching a promo for the upcoming March madness. I looked at the wine, and the promo, and the light turned on.

Why should people attend Wine Rival?

Anyone who wants to go to the most exciting wine event they've ever been to. There's nothing stuffy or pretentious here. It's literally turning wine into a sporting event. Food, hundreds of wines, activations, games, DJs, and more. It's a celebration of Wine, Fun, and Life.

Tickets Now Available

Don't miss out on this incredible evening that promises wine, competition, entertainment, and memories to last a lifetime. Tickets are priced at an unbeatable $75 per person and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winerival-chicago-tickets-596199768557.

*As you enter the venue, prepare to be part of the action. By attending, you grant Wine Rival the right to capture and broadcast your likeness and involvement throughout the event.

Follow us on social media for updates and highlights: Facebook, and Instagram.

Event Details:
Date: October 15, 2023 
Time: 5 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Venue West, (221 North Paulina Street, Chicago) 
Ticket Price: $75 per person

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winerival-chicago-tickets-596199768557.